Abstract:
A control system for a mobile robot (10) is provided to effectively cover a given area by operating in a plurality of modes, including an obstacle following mode (51) and a random bounce mode (49). In other embodiments, spot coverage, such as spiraling (45), or other modes are also used to increase effectiveness. In addition, a behavior based architecture is used to implement the control system, and various escape behaviors are used to ensure full coverage.
Abstract:
Please amend the Abstract of the Disclosure currently of record as follows: A mobile vehicle which is provided with a moving means and a moving control device therefor, can automatically travel while detecting an advance distance and a turning angle by means of one optical displacement sensor, and can save on space and reduce costs. The mobile vehicle comprises a moving means (2) for moving a body (1), one optical displacement sensor (7) as a displacement sensor provided on the body (1), and a moving control device for controlling the moving means (2) based on a moving distance detected by the optical displacement sensor (7). The moving control device determines the distance of rectilinear movement and a turning angle of the body (1) from an amount detected by the optical displacement sensor (7). The optical displacement sensor (7) picks up patterns or the like on a traveling floor surface at specified time intervals and detects a moving distance by comparing images before and after a specified time. The above arrangement eliminates the need of providing a rotation sensor for detecting the rotation of a wheel, and therefore eliminates a restriction on space and reduces costs.
Abstract:
When a sub-section of a predefined path temporarily cannot be traversed by an autonomous mobile unit, an extended path is found for subsequently traversing the temporarily blocked sub-section. A first path point of the predefined path is determined using at least one predefinable distance criterion, which takes into consideration the distance of the temporarily blocked sub-section from the first path point. An extension sub-section is determined which begins at the first path point, terminates at a second path point of the predefined path and encompasses at least the temporarily blocked sub-section. The extended path is programmed with the extension sub-section being integrated into the predefined path at the first path point.
Abstract:
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a camera mounted at a robot cleaner in order to sense obstacles and perform position compensation. The apparatus for controlling a camera of a robot cleaner includes a first axis driver for driving a camera mounted at the robot cleaner in a first axis direction; a second axis driver 320 for driving the camera in a second axis direction other than the first axis direction; an image processor 330 for receiving and processing an image photographed by the camera; and a control section 340 for controlling the first axis driver and the second axis driver, and controlling a traveling of the robot cleaner based on the image photographed by the camera.
Abstract:
A camera or other sensing unit senses the conditions of articles and mobile entities, including humans within a living space. An article management/operation server manages, within an article database, attribute information about the articles, including operators, according to the information from the sensing unit. The server receives a user's instruction, input through a console unit, and refers to the article database to convert this instruction into a control command, which is then transmitted to a life-support robot.
Abstract:
A camera or other sensing unit senses the conditions of articles and mobile entities, including humans within a living space. An article management/operation server manages, within an article database, attribute information about the articles, including operators, according to the information from the sensing unit. The server receives a user's instruction, input through a console unit, and refers to the article database to convert this instruction into a control command, which is then transmitted to a life-support robot.
Abstract:
A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby, enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.
Abstract:
A location mark detecting method of a robot cleaner capable of accurately detecting location marks from an image captured by an upwardly looking camera. The location mark detecting method comprises the steps of obtaining from the image object marks to be compared with the reference location marks, determining whether shapes of the object marks are identical to those of the reference location marks, determining whether a distance separating the object marks is identical to that between the reference location marks if it is determined that the shapes are identical, determining whether a surrounding image of the object marks is identical to that of the reference location marks if it is determined that the distances are identical, and identifying the object marks as the location marks if it is determined that the surrounding images are identical. A robot cleaner capable of wirelessly communicating with an external device comprises a driving unit, an upwardly-looking camera for capturing an image of a ceiling above an area to be cleaned on which location marks are disposed, and a control unit for detecting the location marks from the image captured by the upwardly-looking camera, the control unit commanding the driving unit utilizing information of the current location to perform a work command.
Abstract:
A self-guided robot for traveling with a predetermined traveling pattern includes a gyro sensor for detecting an angle indicative of a traveling direction from a reference position, a left rotary encoder and a right rotary encoder for detecting a traveling distance from the reference position, left and right driving wheels for allowing a main body to move, and a left driving wheel motor and a right driving wheel motor for driving the left and right driving wheels for travel. A CPU calculates a deviation amount from a planned route on the basis of detection amounts from gyro sensor, left rotary encoder and right rotary encoder, and controls the driving of left driving wheel motor and right driving wheel motor on the basis of the calculated deviation amount.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a cleaning robot, and more particularly a cleaning robot comprising a camera unit for photographing an external image containing the charging-stand image, converting it into electrical image information, and outputting externally; and a microprocessor for storing the image information inputted the camera unit, acquiring position information of the charging-stand from the external image on the basis of the image information of the charging-stand in detecting a return signal, and causing the cleaning robot to be returned to the charging-stand. The cleaning robot having an auto-return function to a charging-stand detects a direction and position of the charging-stand using image information of the charging-stand, and thereby correctly and rapidly returning to the charging-stand for the cleaning robot.